ARTIST_en

CREATION, NOT PRODUCTION

I’ve always loved to make things. In my childhood, I preferred to make objects out of clay rather than to make plastic models according to manuals. Now I come to think of it, that may have been the beginning of my life as a potter.

I WILL ALWAYS BE TURNING THE WHEEL.

Some people might think all potters use a potter’s wheel. But there are many potters who don’t use it, because the wheel is not necessarily essential. However I love it. I’ve been using it more than anyone else I know. I will stay a potter with the potter’s wheel, ever.

CRAZY ABOUT COLORS

If someone asks what the most important point of my work is, I’ll say “colors”. They are not only made by the kind of glazes, but by the number of glazes, their ratios of mixture, how glazes dripped, how they are fired and by many other factors. These factors interact with each other resulting in complex changes and variation in hues and colors. Accordingly, I’ll simply have to continue studying day to day.

SOMETIMES I FALL IN LOVE AT THE FIRST MOMENT OF OPENING THE KILN’S APERTURE

The most delightful moment is opening the kiln’s aperture. No matter how clearly the finish of the pottery is imagined, it is unknown until actually fired. Either they come out of the fire exactly as I had expected, or they don’t. Occasionally they surpass my wildest expectations. They are my creation but I fall in love with them instantly.

I WANT JAPANESE POTTERY TO SPREAD TO THE WORLD

While continuing to make pottery, I’ve been fascinated by its richness and that of traditional crafts of Japan. I feel strongly that people around the world should be introduced to the simplicity and serenity of Japanese crafts that is far beyond what words can express. If it is conveyed through my work, that would be my pleasure.

IWASAKI RYUJI

Born in 1980, in Tondabayashi-shi, Osaka, JapanAssociate Member of Japan Kōgei Association Member of Arts & Crafts Association of Osaka